Only having to meet Nottingham Forest in the opening match, Arsenal confidently won a big win for fans in the new 2023/24 season.
Having spent more than £200 million recruiting Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and soon David Raya, Arsenal has just had a perfect run with a victory over Man City in the English Super Cup.
Mikel Arteta’s teachers and students enter the new season with high expectations, eager to end their two-decade-long thirst for Premier League titles.
Obviously, the competition is getting fiercer as rivals are racing to arm themselves in the transfer market. However, Gunners fans have the right to dream big.
Arsenal squad thickness is significantly improved with 4 quality additions. This factor will help them be more confident when running a marathon with Man City.
The appearance of Declan Rice best illustrates the ambition of the Emirates Stadium team. However, the strong investment also increased the pressure on Arteta’s army to break out early.
Unlike Arsenal, Nottingham Forest’s goal is only to stay relegated after the 2022/23 season struggling to stay.
They change their shopping strategy. Instead of rushing to recruit troops like last summer, Forest was more careful through mid-range signings with Ola Aina, Anthony Elanga, and Matt Turner.
Coach Steve Cooper made no secret of his intention to play defensively when marching to London.
However, the Nottingham Forest defense has never proved to be solid. In 19 trips last season, they only won 1 time, drew 5 and lost 13 matches.
With outstanding strength and home-field advantage, the Gunners are determined to win the opening match.
Force Information
Arsenal: Gabriel Jesus, Elneny, Balogun, Jorginho, Zinchenko, Nelson, and Lokonga are absent due to injury.
Nottingham Forest: Goalkeeper Matt Turner is ready to play his debut. Hennessey, Richards, Niakhate, and Felipe are out due to injury.
Predicted Line-up
Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Nottingham Forest: Turner; Worrall, Boly, McKenna; Aurier, Yates, Danilo, Mangala, Aina; Gibbs-White, Johnson.